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Swain County TDA presents tourism data, $2.25M budget and projects including light show expansion
Summary
Sarah Conley, executive director of the Swain County Tourism Development Authority, briefed commissioners on 2024 visitation and the TDA—s 2025—26 budget of $2,250,000. The presentation outlined marketing priorities, contributions to local attractions, and plans to expand the Smoky Mountain Light Show Spectacular.
Sarah Conley, executive director of the Swain County Tourism Development Authority, presented the TDA—s annual overview and the proposed 2025—26 TDA budget of $2,250,000, a roughly 6% increase from the prior year.
Conley said the TDA—s work focuses on marketing to attract overnight visitors, supporting attractions and events, and managing county-owned tourism properties including the Swain County Visitor Center & Heritage Museum, the Appalachian Rivers Aquarium and the Fly Fishing Museum of the Southern Appalachians.
Why it matters: tourism spending drives a substantial portion of Swain County—s local economy, supporting jobs, lodging and local tax revenue. Conley cited state-level data for 2024 and county figures from 2023 to illustrate local economic benefits.
Key figures and projects: - The TDA board approved a $2,250,000 budget for 2025—26, a 6% increase over the prior year. - Conley said 43% of the budget is earmarked for marketing and promotion, 26% for beautification, light-show expansion and events, and 30% for administration and maintenance. - The Smoky Mountain Light Show Spectacular cost about $350,000 to acquire two years ago; the TDA plans to add roughly $100,000 in lights this year and reported the event returned about $90,000 last year to participating nonprofits. - Conley reported prior-year county tourism figures (from 2023 data): $350 million in visitor spending in Swain County, $88 million in lodging revenue, about $96.8 million in tourism industry wages, and roughly 2,014 tourism jobs.
Board action: the commissioners approved a resolution to reduce the number of seats on the Swain County TDA board from nine to seven; the board also discussed reappointments and nominations for the reduced board. The TDA recommended reappointment of Patty Jo Taylor; commissioners voted to reappoint and to accept the TDA—s recommendation.
What—s next: Conley told commissioners the TDA will continue marketing and community partnerships (town, lodging partners, the chamber) and expand education programming at aquarium properties. The board will address scheduled appointments and the new 7-member structure before July 1.
